SBI 2017 MLS Draft Big Board (Final Version)

The 2017 MLS Combine is in the books, and the stage is set for the MLS Draft to take place on Friday in Los Angeles. The Combine saw several top prospects step up and impress, and that is setting things up for a trade-heavy day of action.

Top prospects Miles Robinson, Abu Danladi and Jeremy Ebobisse remain the most sought-after prospects in the draft, though Jonathan Lewis and Chris Odoi-Atsem are fast approaching. That quintet is the reason so many teams are no trying to trade up into the top portion of the draft.

SBI 2017 MLS Draft Big Board (Final Version)

1. ($) MILES ROBINSON, Syracuse, Centerback

Multiple teams are trying to trade up to select the 6-foot-2 centerback, who put together a solid MLS Combine showing.

2. ($) ABU DANLADI, UCLA, Forward

Showed enough good glimpses at the MLS Combine to remain a solid Top 3 choice.

3. ($) JEREMY EBOBISSE, Duke, Forward

Finally played on the Combine’s last day and made an impression, scoring a beautiful goal to make it clear he has something special. The U.S. Under-20 striker is still a candidate for the top pick, but has fewer teams trying to trade up for him than Robinson or Danladi.

4. ($) JONATHAN LEWIS, Akron, Attacking midfielder/winger

Showed some very good attacking quality, and potential, throughout the Combine, including a knack for scoring goals from midfield. Could crack the top three if one of the teams that rate him succeed in trading up (like D.C. United).

5. CHRIS ODOI-ATSEM, Maryland, Right Back

Enjoyed a very impressive Combine from start to finish and remains a solid Top 5 choice, with multiple teams looking to trade up to try and land the draft’s best fullback and most pro-ready player.

6. ($) JACKSON YUEILL, UCLA, Winger/Forward

Did not have the special moments at the Combine that the others above him on this list had, but Yuiell showed his qualities, which include very clean passing and good understanding of positioning in attack. There are doubts about his ability to impact the game on the pro level, which is why some teams don’t see him as a top 5 pick.

7. (%) LALAS ABUBAKAR, Dayton, Centerback

Was arguably the best player at the Combine, putting together three strong days and showing his toughness as well as strength, aerial dominance and surprising technical quality. The biggest knock against him is his size, which is probably closer to 6-foot, than 6-foot-1, but he plays bigger than his height and should be a Top 10 pick.

8. JACORI HAYES, Wake Forest, Central Midfielder

Put together a good Combine, and convinced some teams he can hold his own as a central midfielder on the next level. Questions persist about where he will fit positionally in MLS, but there is little denying he is a very good soccer player and he only helped his stock.

9. NICK DEPUY, UCSB, Forward

Teams needing a target forward had to like what they saw from Depuy at the Combine. His movement, work rate and edge stood out despite playing on a team with limited creative options to set him with chances.

10. ERIC KLENOFSKY, Monmouth, Goalkeeper

The top goalkeeper in the draft had mixed results at the Combine, showed excellent distribution and a willingness to attack crosses into his area, but made some mistakes that may have left some teams asking questions. There are also concerns about him needing to put more weight on his 6-foot-6 frame. Still very much a first-round talent.

11. NIKO HANSEN, New Mexico, Right winger/Forward

Quick and dynamic attacker had a strong MLS Combine and definitely has a few teams that could take him in the top 10. Pinning down his best position is one question, but he’s clearly someone who can contribute to an attack, either as a winger or second forward.

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Comments

could you do a side be side comparison to the first big board? curious if/how/how much these guys shifted around given their combine performances. for example, it was generally understood that Aubrey disappointed during the 3 games at the combine (not the end of the world by any means and doesn’t discount his college career) but did it impact your feelings on the big board significantly?

definitely not the most scientific measure, just curious how much of an impact the combine performance as in your eyes.

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